Driving a Car in Kolkata

        

As I drove out in my sleek red car, with the intention of some marketing,

I saw a well-dressed woman, after a departing bus, frantically darting.

If she could not get on to the bus, she would not be on time for office --

As she was in such a maddening hurry, my car she did not notice. 

I slammed the brake as hard as I could so as not to run over her,                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

  Or else I would have been behind the bars, for homicide or murder!!

As I drove on, I heard a motor bike honking continuously behind me,

Irritation welled up in me ,not understanding the mature rationality!

He swooshed past in front of my car, recklessly driving from left to right,

In" young-blood" bravado, in supersonic speed, disappearing out of sight.

I held my breath and my muscles tightened, what if I had hit him!

Driving in Kolkata needs expertise, it’s not as simple as it may seem!

As I reached the Five-Point crossing, to a dead halt came the traffic,

Ambulances and cars waited impatiently for activity was at its peak

I sat fuming and frothing for about half an hour in the intolerable heat.

A serpentine procession of slogan- shouting men had blocked the street.

I gave up the idea of marketing, such a luxury was not definitely for me. 

I would be better-off if I ordered on-line, for tension-free home delivery!